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Pseudotrachydium kotschyi is a native medicinal plant used as a local medicine from Lorestan province of western Iran having numerous biological properties. After GC−MS analysis of Pseudotrachydium kotschyi essential oils (PKEOs), some biological activities were investigated. Additionally, TNF-α and TGF-β1 were studied in Leishmania-infected macrophages (in vitro) and Carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Finally, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of PKEOs were investigated in vivo in mice. Total components identified by GC−MS contained 53 molecules, among which Z-α-trans-Bergamotol (23.25%), Durylaldehyde (16.07%), and α-Bergamotene (10.48%) existed in the highest amount in PKEOs. Antimicrobial assay of PKEOs showed maximum growth inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes and Kluyveromyces marxianus at the dose of 625 μg/ml. PKEOs exhibited a high cytotoxicity on lung cancer cell line A549 at a dose of 4 mg/ml. Anti-Leishmania activity of PKEOs showed concentration of 5000 µg/ml that had similar potency of glucantime at 125 µg/ml. The highest anti-inflammatory effect of PKEOs for Carrageenan-induced paw edema was observed at 100 concentrations, with paw inflammation reduced by 83.70% after using PKEO ointment. The present study reports broad-spectrum biological functions for essential oil from P. kotschyi. However, these biological activities, including anti-proliferative, anti-Leishmania, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing potential, were not studied in detail. Therefore, it may be attractive for investigating the detailed mechanistic and molecular aspects of biological activities of PKEOs. Considering that the present study is the first to report the biological activity of P. kotschyi, further studies on their metabolites are needed to replicate the present findings.

Satureja khuzistanica contains approximately 3% essential oil, and carvacrol is its major constituent. This research aimed to evaluate effect of Sodium pyrophosphate (NaPP) on secondary metabolites, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties of S. khuzistanica. In this regard, the microshoots prepared from this plant were cultured in Linsmaier and Skoog supplemented with different concentrations of NaPP (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 mM) and have been incubated for 25 days. Results showed that NaPP not only increased the growth of S. khuzistanica but also enhanced its chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenol, and flavonoid. Furthermore, carvacrol and 1-deoxy-dxylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase in NaPP-treated plantlets, as compared to the controls, were found three- and two-fold increases, respectively; this highlights activity of MEP pathway responsible for biosynthesis of carvacrol. By affecting secondary metabolites, NaPP improved some properties of S. khuzistanica such as antimicrobial (against periodontal bacteria), antioxidant, and cytotoxicity. In general, our results revealed that NaPP, exclusively at 0.2 mM, can accumulate different bioactive compounds in S. khuzistanica resulting in enhancing its pharmacological and medicinal properties. NaPP was able to implement a change in mevalonate pathways, and this improved the production of secondary metabolite and their properties such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial in Satureja khuzistanica.

Ferula assa-foetida gum oleoresin (FAGO) is traditionally used for treatment of different ailments. The subject of this article was to evaluate the chemical composition and antibacterial effects of the different types of bitter FAGO essential oils in the natural habitat of Southwest Iran. α-pinene (38.2%), and (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (12.4%) were the main components of F. assa-foetida tear type essential oil, with high antibacterial, anti-biofilm and cytotoxic activities, followed by paste and mass types, respectively. α-pinene (27.8%), and (Z)-propenyl-sec-butyl disulfide (24.2%) were identified as main components of paste type. α-pinene (33.4%), β-pinene (16.3%), and (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (16.1%) were the main components of asafoetida mass type gum oleoresin essential oil. FAGO essential oil specially tear one could serve as suitable candidate for further studies.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Usnea sp. is a fruticose thalli lichen with interesting medicinal properties. Since ancient times, Usnea sp. has been used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various diseases. The broad scientific studies on this lichen have proved its multidirectional biological effect, such as antimicrobial activity, which is attributed to its usnic acid content. Purpose The main aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the antimicrobial activities of Usnea sp., including the traditional and medicinal uses, and a critical evaluation of the presented data. Also, the mechanism of this type of action will be explained. Methods To prepare this manuscript, the information was extracted from scientific databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar), books, and theses. The available scientific information was critically analysed. Results Analysis of the scientific literature regarding traditional uses and bioactivity research showed that Usnea sp. extracts exhibit high antibacterial activity. The Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and aquatic oomycetous fungi were the most sensitive Usnea sp. extracts. Moderate activity against Malassezia furfur and dermatophytes was observed, as well. Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi were more frequently resistant to Usnea sp. extracts (included Escherichia coli, Candida sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus sp.). The antiviral activity of Usnea sp. was limited. Conclusion The results show that the use of Usnea sp. in traditional medicine can be scientifically documented. Studies show that usnic acid is the active compound present in Usnea sp. extracts. This compound, which has a high antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, exists in large quantities in low-polarity extracts, and low concentration in these of high-polarity. Usnea sp. extracts contain compounds other than usnic acid as well with biological effects. Usnea barbata is a species that has been employed in modern-day cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The information presented in the review can be considered as a source of knowledge about the Usnea sp. It presents research on biological properties reported for different species of Usnea genus and thus can facilitate their use in medicine.

Prevotella intermedia is associated with periodontal diseases and endodontic infections. Periodontitis can be suppressed by utilizing the antiseptics, which target the infectious bacteria. The member of Stachys sp. has been used traditionally in the form of decoction or infusion for management of infectious diseases. The subject of this article was to evaluate the chemical composition, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of Stachys koelzii essential oil and its main components against Prevotella intermedia. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis were used to determine the chemical composition. The antimicrobial effects of S. koelzii essential oil was evaluated by micro-broth dilution assay. Time kill curve assays, leakage of cytoplasmic materials and anti-biofilm effects were determined. Its cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT assay. Essential oil with main components of α-pinene, trans-caryophyllene and 1,8-cineole inhibited P. intermedia with MIC and MBC values of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL. Its biofilm formation was higher than α-pinene, followed by trans-caryophyllene and 1,8-cineole. Essential oil and its main components increased the leakage of cytoplasmic components. Essential oil showed cytotoxic effect on HeLa cell lines with IC50 0.06 mg/mL. The cytotoxic effect of α-pinene on healthy cell lines was higher than essential oil. S. koelzii essential oil can be used in mouthwash formulations and its efficacy should be evaluated in large clinical studies.

Pumpkin seed oil, a dark greenish red oil, extracted from Cucurbita pepo L. oval seeds, is rich in essential highly unsaturated fatty acids with predominant oleic and linoleic acid content, and phy...

Monoterpenes are a big family of natural products which are well-known as the constituents of the essential oils and defensive oleoresins of the aromatic plants. In addition to ecological roles in pollinator attraction, allelopathy and the plant defense, monoterpenes are used extensively in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Monoterpenes are widely spread in plants, from algae and fungi to monocots and dicots. The production of monoterpenes is usually associated with plastids in the plant cells. The biosynthesis pathways of monoterpenes include the synthesis of C5 precursor isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and its allylic isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). All the levels of monoterpenes are thought to be principally controlled transcriptionally and post transcriptionally. In addition, in response to biotic and abiotic factors, the biosynthesis process of the monoterpenoid in the plants can be spatially and temporally regulated during the development phase. This review summarizes the most recent advancements in biosynthetic pathway, metabolism regulation, medicinal properties and ecological roles of the monoterpenoids. Key words: MEP pathway, ecological roles, medicinal properties, metabolism regulation, monoterpenes.

Carvacrol is a major component of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad (≤90%) that has significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Considering the specific capabilities of S. khuzistanica to produce highly pure carvacrol, this plant is an important potential source of carvacrol that could address the abundant consumption and increasing demand for this monoterpene in current world markets. This research was performed to better understand the process of biosynthesis and accumulation of carvacrol in S. khuzistanica. Tests were performed on shoot cultures of S. khuzistanica in Linsmaier-Skoog (LS) medium treated with different concentrations of fosmidomycin (an inhibitor of the non-mevalonate pathway) and mevinolin (an inhibitor of the mevalonate pathway) for 21 days at the following concentrations: 0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μM. The present study demonstrated that the MEP pathway is the major pathway that provides IPP for the biosynthesis of carvacrol, and the expression and activity levels of the DXR enzyme have a critical effect on carvacrol biosynthesis. Surprisingly, Mevinolin at concentrations of 75 and 100 μM increased the carvacrol content and the DXR activity and gene expression in S. khuzistanica plantlets.

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad is an important multipurpose medicinal plant in Iran. The essential oil of S. khuzistanica is characterized by high concentration of carvacrol (93%). The seeds of S. khuzistanica are dormant and have a very low germination under normal conditions. This is the first protocol for in vitro seed germination and plantlet regeneration of this plant. Experiments were done to determine the effects of cold stratification (two, four and six weeks), chemical treatments including various levels of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) (50, 100, 200 and 500 ppm), potassium nitrate (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%), sulfuric acid (50%) and also the synergistic effect between cold stratification and other factors on seed germination of S. khuzistanica. The most germination percentage was achieved when six weeks stratification was followed by 200 ppm GA 3 . For shoot proliferation, the node explants were cultured on Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (Kn) within the range of 0.5 to 2 μM and combinations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA: 2 and 5 μM) with BAP (2 and 5 μM). Multiple shoots were obtained from the nodal explants, the higher frequency (77%) of shoot formation was observed in the LS that contained BAP (5 μM) in combination with IBA (2 μM). The best condition for rooting were LS medium plus 2.5 μM of IBA. The rooted plants were successfully transferred to garden soil, exhibiting a normal development. Key words: Germination, gibberellic acid, growth regulators, node explants, Satureja khuzistanica , stratification.